• British star Lewis Hamilton showed Formula One fans his driving position 
  • Hamilton has given avid Formula One fans insight into his Mercedes seat
  • The 31-year-old driver guided viewers through the concept of the seat 

By

Matt Maltby For Mailonline


Published:
12:59 GMT, 9 March 2016

|
Updated:
13:13 GMT, 9 March 2016

Lewis Hamilton has taken Formula One fans behind the scenes by explaining how he sits in the Mercedes car he’ll be driving in the upcoming season.  

The three-time world champion will be hoping to continue where he left off last season when he takes to the track for the opening race of the calendar in Australia later this month. 

But before he returns to his Mercedes car for duty, Hamilton has given avid Formula One fans an insight into his seat.

Lewis Hamilton has taken Formula One fans behind the scenes by explaining how he sits in his Mercedes car

Lewis Hamilton has taken Formula One fans behind the scenes by explaining how he sits in his Mercedes car

Before he returns to his Mercedes car for new season, he has given avid F1 fans an insight into his seat

Before he returns to his Mercedes car for new season, he has given avid F1 fans an insight into his seat

Hamilton displayed how he sits in his car and shows angle in which he holds the steering wheel while driving

Hamilton displayed how he sits in his car and shows angle in which he holds the steering wheel while driving

Explaining his driving position in a video posted online by Mercedes, the British star showed what the seat looks like outside the car.

The 31-year-old guided viewers through the concept of the seat and revealed how each driver has to find their driving position prior to a new season.

‘This is actually so comfortable, it’s very easy to fall asleep through practice,’ Hamilton said in the three-minute video.

‘This is literally the angle I sit in. The seat is moulded to my body so there’s no room for movement.

‘The seat is very light, we try and keep it as light as it can possibly be and it’s all carbon-fibre. All you can really see is the top of your tyres.

‘The cock pit is really tight so that’s why you almost have to be jockey size, although you can be slightly bigger.

Explaining his driving position in a video posted online, the star showed what the seat looks like outside the car

Explaining his driving position in a video posted online, the star showed what the seat looks like outside the car

Hamilton explains how tight the cockpit is and reveals every driver has to find their own driving position 

Hamilton explains how tight the cockpit is and reveals every driver has to find their own driving position 

‘The reason we sit like this is because we’re trying to keep the centre of gravity as low as possible. If I was to sit upright I’d have my weight too high up.’

Hamilton gave detailed explanation on various aspects of the seat, revealing it’s important for the drivers to get as low as possible for the benefit of the cat and the air intake. 

Prior to joining a team, drivers have to find their seating position and Hamilton revealed he has been using the same seat since the 2014 campaign.   

‘When I joined this team in 2013 we made one seat and used it all of 2013,’ Hamilton, who has won successive championships, added.

The British driver has been enjoying a break in Paris before he returns to the track for the new F1 season

The British driver has been enjoying a break in Paris before he returns to the track for the new F1 season

‘I had to do a new one in 2014 because it was a new car. But since 2014 I’ve carried over my seat because it fits perfectly. 

‘This year I’ve done exactly the same, I’m not allowed to get any heavier or bigger so it fits perfectly.’

Despite boasting about it’s comfort, Hamilton admitted there are some difficulties due to the tight dimensions of the seat.

‘One thing which is difficult when you go around the corners is your less or your body wants to move form one side to another. 

‘To be able to stop your legs form move over while you’re being as smooth as possible with the throttle, you have to have really good core-stability. 

‘Some drivers use a pad but I don’t I have to work.’ 

The three-time world champion poses with his Mercedes team and Nico Rosberg following success last year

The three-time world champion poses with his Mercedes team and Nico Rosberg following success last year


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